Decent upgrade for 200 quid?

willhub · 28 Apr 2010 at 11:20

Currently on system in sig.

Would I be able to get a decent upgrade to quad core for 200 quid? CPU/Mobo/Ram? One that can overclock ok too?

Maybe AMD Phenom?

Thanks
Will.

mame · 28 Apr 2010 at 11:22

Not really, no. Have you seen RAM prices? I would either bite the bullet and get an i5 setup (which is what I did) or just not bother. There's always the Q6600 route but only do that if you are going to be happy with it and keep it for a while.

Garee · 28 Apr 2010 at 11:26

I got a Phenom II X2 (unlocked it to 4 cores) and an asus am3 motherboard for £118 total however I did do a bit of bargain hunting.

If you did that also you may just manage it on £200.

Grimley · 28 Apr 2010 at 13:36

I'd keep the rig you have right now & get an SSD, best upgrade I've done for my rig for 200 notes.

Yakyb · 28 Apr 2010 at 13:47

i would hold on to be honest unless, is something specific holding you back?

Drake22 · 28 Apr 2010 at 13:57

i'd get 5850

cmndr_andi · 28 Apr 2010 at 14:01

What resolution are you playing games at and what OS are you running?

FoxxyAxel · 28 Apr 2010 at 14:46

Grimley said:
I'd keep the rig you have right now & get an SSD, best upgrade I've done for my rig for 200 notes.

Second that

willhub · 28 Apr 2010 at 20:50

I'm running Windows 7 and play games at 1680x1050.

I want to upgrade to maybe I can enjoy GTA 4 and the expansions at a good framerate, maybe even Crysis and other games too.

cmndr_andi · 28 Apr 2010 at 21:06

If you want to play GTA 4 + episodes well then you may need to switch over to a Quad core, that game hates any CPU less than a Triple core. How are your current framerates?
A second hand Q6600/6700 would be a good idea - or a Q9550/9650 if you can find one for a good price (bear in mind, you should be able to sell your E8500 for a pretty penny to help pay for a CPU upgrade).

As for crysis, that will need a faster GPU to play at really high framerates (the 5770 will be approximately as fast as your current card). If your budget could stretch - a 5850 would be a decent upgrade. Alternatively, you add a second 4870 in crossfireX - but you will need to check if your PSU is up to the job.

willhub · 28 Apr 2010 at 21:46

How much do E8500's fetch at the moment?

Mine only does 4Ghz at like 1.36V, although it might do more can't get it right those damn GTL References.

Just seems like wasting money shelling out for old tech. I have a true and I'm not wanting to have to lap that or the CPU and at load at 1.36V this E8500 hits 70 degrees so I dare not think what a quad would be doing lol.

marc512 · 29 Apr 2010 at 08:34

Either buy a SSD for the full £200 OR

get a SSD for about £100 and install windows on it.
Use the other £100 to put towards a new MB and CPU

assuming you have a job.